Top 10 Christmas Markets in Massachusetts 2025: Best Festive Events and Shopping Experiences

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If you find yourself in Massachusetts during the holidays, you’ll discover a variety of Christmas markets. Each one has its own vibe and traditions. You’ll stumble upon everything from handmade gifts to local foods and seasonal shows.

As you wander these markets, you’ll spot all kinds of vendors, bright decorations, and maybe even Santa sneaking around. Big cities and tiny towns both get in on the fun, so there’s always something going on, no matter your schedule or style.

1) Boston Christmas Festival

Every November, the Boston Christmas Festival lights up the Seaport World Trade Center. Hundreds of craft vendors set up shop, so you can hunt for holiday gifts, cool ornaments, and tasty local foods.

The Gingerbread House Competition really steals the show. Local chefs build these wild gingerbread houses, and families love it. Foodies will be happy too—there’s no shortage of sweet treats and snacks to try or take home.

You’ll catch live music and see local artists perform, which keeps the vibe lively. Shopping, food, and entertainment all come together in the heart of downtown. If you want to stay overnight, there are plenty of hotels nearby.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
November 7-9, 2025	200 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA	Fri-Sun: 10 AM – 7 PM	Adult: $15, Child: $6	Seaport Hotel Boston	Boston Christmas Festival

Want more info? Check out the full guide at Boston Christmas Market 2025.

2) SoWa Winter Festival

Festival Overview

Head to 550 Harrison Ave in Boston between November 28 and December 28, 2025 for the SoWa Winter Festival. Over a hundred local vendors set up shop with handmade arts, crafts, and gifts.

You’ll hear live music, grab street food, and sip hot drinks as you wander. Food trucks line up outside, so you can warm up with a snack or drink when you need a break. The festival brings Boston’s community together in a fun holiday atmosphere.

Artisan stalls offer unique items you probably won’t find elsewhere. If you’re after something original, this is the spot. Once you’ve shopped, check out the galleries on Thayer Street—they’re worth a look. People in Boston really love this event for its local touch and winter spirit.

Festival Schedule and Details

Dates	Address	Times	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 28 – Dec 28, 2025	550 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA	Mon-Thu: 4 PM – 8 PM Fri: 4 PM – 9 PM Sat: 10 AM – 9 PM Sun: 10 AM – 7 PM	Free admission	Find hotels near SoWa Boston	SoWa Winter Festival

Admission is free, and getting there is pretty easy by public transit or car. If you’re driving, look into parking ahead of time—weekends can get packed. For more details or the vendor list, just hit up the SoWa Winter Festival website.

3) Visiting the Old South Church Holiday Artisan Fair

Step into the Old South Church Holiday Artisan Fair and you’ll get hit with the sights and sounds of Copley Square. Local artists fill the space with handmade art, photos, pottery, and jewelry. You can find truly one-of-a-kind gifts here—nothing cookie-cutter about it.

They hold the fair at the historic Old South Church on Boylston Street, which is a treat in itself. Live music plays as you walk around, and the old church gives the whole event a warm, special feel.

You don’t need tickets or to sign up in advance, so you can pop in whenever you want. Here’s the quick info:

Dates	Address	Time	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
First Weekend of December	645 Boylston St, Boston, MA	10 a.m. – 4 p.m.	Free Admission	Boston hotels on Booking.com	Old South Church Christmas Craft Fair

Take your time browsing, grab a gift or two, and soak up the festive energy before heading back out into the city.

4) Quincy Winter Market Gift Shopping

At Quincy Market, the holidays feel alive with merchants selling original gifts, crafts, and specialty foods. The music is festive, decorations are everywhere, and families wander around picking out presents.

Grab some hot cocoa or try out seasonal snacks from the food stalls. Both the indoor and outdoor spaces buzz with energy, making it a great spot to shop and just hang out.

Thinking about going? Here’s what you need:

Dates	Address	Times	Entry Fee	Where to Stay Nearby	Event Website
November 25 – December 4, 2025	Quincy Market	11 AM – 9 PM	Free	Accommodations in Quincy	Event info

Check out unique gifts and grab some holiday treats while you’re there.

5) Holiday Traditions at Old Sturbridge Village

Visiting Old Sturbridge Village in December feels like stepping into a holiday celebration from the 1800s. Lights cover the buildings and trees, giving the whole place a cozy glow.

Carolers and live performers fill the air with music, and it’s hard not to catch the holiday spirit. You can stroll along the Christmas Tree Trail, check out authentic decorations, and chat with historical interpreters who show how New Englanders used to celebrate.

Craft demonstrations bring the past to life, and if you’re up for it, you can hop on a horse-drawn sleigh for that classic touch. Food plays a big part too. Try traditional holiday treats or warm up with festive drinks.

If you’re shopping for gifts, pop into the Village shops for handmade items and New England souvenirs. These make thoughtful presents and show off the region’s craft traditions.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Nearby Hotel (booking.com)	Website
Select dates in December	1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd, Sturbridge, MA	2:00 pm – 8:00 pm EST	Adults $28, Children $14	Comfort Inn & Suites Sturbridge / Brimfield	Old Sturbridge Village Christmas Schedule

If you want to know what’s happening on specific dates, check the Christmas by Candlelight page.

6) Faneuil Hall Winter Lights Celebration

Boston’s Faneuil Hall Marketplace throws a huge Winter Lights Celebration every year. You’ll spot over 350,000 LED lights covering the historic plaza, and honestly, it’s hard not to be impressed.

The lights pulse and dance along with Holiday Pops music, so every half-hour feels a little different. Shows start at 4:30 PM and keep going until 10:00 PM each night.

You’ll watch the lights outside, glowing against those old brick buildings. It doesn’t cost anything to join the fun, and if you’re driving, you can grab discounted parking at the 75 State Street Garage.

Public transit works just as well, maybe even better if you hate parking. The whole area fills up with food stalls, shops, and festive songs, which makes waiting for the next show a lot more fun.

Families and friends usually come together to take it all in.

Dates	Address	Times	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
November 22 – December 31, 2025	Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, MA	Nightly 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM	Free	Nearby Hotels	2025 event information

7) Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll

What to Expect at the Event

At the Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll, you’ll wander down Charles Street in the heart of Boston’s most charming neighborhood. They close off traffic starting at 5:00 PM, so you can stroll in peace and check out the local shops.

You’ll bump into free snacks and live music as you walk. The vibe is super festive—honestly, if you want a family-friendly holiday event, this one’s hard to beat.

The highlight? The Christmas tree lighting at 7:00 PM. It always draws a crowd and captures that holiday magic Beacon Hill is known for.

No tickets needed, just show up. Try to get there early, since the best holiday activities and shopping happen before the tree lighting.

A lot of people stop in local restaurants or boutiques before everyone gathers for the big moment. The Beacon Hill Business Association puts this event on, so you know it supports the neighborhood and local shops.

Date	Address	Time	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 7, 2025	Charles Street, Boston	5:00 PM – 9:00 PM	Free	Hotels near Beacon Hill on Booking.com	Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll info

Want more details? Here’s the Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll page for this year.

8) Harvard Square Holiday Fair

If you’re heading to a holiday market in Cambridge, you can’t really go wrong with the Harvard Square Holiday Fair. It pops up every December at 33 Dunster Street.

Since 1986, the fair has brought together artists, vendors, and shoppers. You’ll spot all kinds of handmade goods—jewelry, pottery, clothes, you name it.

Organizers hand-pick every product, so the quality stays high. The variety makes it a breeze to grab gifts for just about anyone.

The market isn’t just about shopping, though. The energy is lively, and it really puts you in the holiday mood.

The event runs for three days, so you’ve got a few chances to swing by. Entry is totally free, which is always a plus.

If you want to stay overnight, places like The Charles Hotel or Hotel Veritas on booking.com are right around the corner.

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to stay nearby	Website
December 19–21, 2025	33 Dunster St, Cambridge	Friday: 12–7, Saturday: 11–7, Sunday: 12–6	Free	The Charles Hotel, Hotel Veritas (via booking.com)	Harvard Square Holiday Fair

You can always check their official website for last-minute updates or extra info.

9) Cambridge Winter Market in 2025

Every Saturday from January through spring, the Cambridge Winter Market sets up in central Cambridge. Locals and visitors count on it as a go-to spot in the colder months.

Inside, you’ll find local veggies, fresh bread, and handmade crafts. Area farmers and artisans bring their goods straight from their farms and workshops.

The space feels surprisingly inviting, even when it’s freezing outside. Live music from local performers keeps things lively.

Vendors are happy to chat and share tips for using ingredients or picking out the right craft. If you use SNAP or HIP, you’ll get a matching program that stretches your benefits, so fresh food gets a little more affordable.

Need a snack, a last-minute gift, or just something for dinner? You’ll probably find it here.

Visitor Information

Day	Address	Time	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Saturdays	5 Callender St, Cambridge, MA	10:00am – 2:00pm	Free	Hotels near 5 Callender St on Booking.com	More details on the Cambridge Winter Farmers Market

10) Holiday Celebrations at the Gardner Museum

In December, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston transforms with holiday decorations. The Courtyard fills up with deep green, silver, and red plants.

You’ll walk past flowering jade trees, silver dusty miller, aloe, and amaryllis blooms. The setting feels peaceful, and it’s honestly one of the prettiest spots in the city during winter.

Museum staff blend art collections with traditional seasonal displays. They keep the jades in top shape, showing how much care goes into every detail.

Each year, the arrangements change a bit, but the museum always keeps traditions alive.

When you visit, you’ll notice how art and plants come together to create a winter atmosphere. That’s what makes the experience stand out.

If you’re planning a trip, here’s what you need to know:

Date Range	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 1-31, 2025	25 Evans Way, Boston, MA 02115	11 AM – 5 PM	Adults $20, Children $12	See hotels nearby	Gardner Museum Holiday Display